The planning
application for the conversion of a workman’s store into a 1 bedroom flat at Cressida
Road was particularly contentious, faced local object but nonetheless gained
planning approval at Committee.

The design of
the conversion was generated by the desire to minimalise the impact a
development would have upon the Whitehall Park Conservation Area within which
it was sited. The design was inspired by the site context and comments made by
the planning officers regarding loss of light and amenity to the potential
resident.

The
dwelling is divided into 2 elements: the existing brick storage building which
forms the kitchen, living area and bathroom, and the existing outdoor WC which
is replaced by the bedroom and entrance. A roof light and kitchen courtyard allow
daylight into the interior. The new roof is formed on two levels which rise
towards the rear of the property. This staggering aims to integrate the new and
existing forms and to lessen the visual impact, reducing any sense of enclosure
on the adjacent garden. At its highest level, the roof is lined with grass
which minimises the amount of traditional felt roofing and adds to a natural
material that compliments the brickwork and glazing. The appearance of the new
walls facing the neighbouring gardens are clad with fencing to replicated the
original garden enclosure.

Despite
the site limitations, the property was designed to have a brightly and well lit interior and a
modern and clear layout with a kitchen courtyard, a landscaped garden and a grass roof which will encourage nature and biodiversity to the
area.

The
simple symmetry of the garden area and entrance, and the introduction of
decking, a lawn and a water feature, created a positive amenity for the
resident. A modesty screen was also incorporated to maintain privacy and
prevent any overlooking from the adjacent property. The timber decking and
water-feature create a composition that reflects the elevation and light into the interior.
Due to the height of the proposal and its relationship with the existing
envelope, there was no loss of light to any of the adjacent properties.